The Runner's Guide To Yoga Terms

Don't speak Sanskrit? Here's a quick guide to all the yoga terms you might hear in class.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 12:00 am

We know: All those foreign-sounding yoga terms can be scary, especially if, like most of us, you don't know squat when it comes to Sanskrit (that would be the Indic language used in many yoga books and studios). This can be a real obstacle; you wouldn't jump at the chance to take a kickboxing class in Swahili, would you? So you're not lost in translation, here's a dime-sized yoga dictionary that'll have you fluent-or at least faking it convincingly-in class.

ASANA (AH-sah-nah)It literally means "[easy] seat," but it's any yoga posture. A series of asanas makes up a vinyasa, or flow.

CHAKRAS (SHA-kruhz)The Sanskrit term chakra literally means "wheel" or "disc," referring to the shape of these whirling energy centers that control the body's vital organs. They correspond to nerve plexes, ganglia, and glands. When one's organs are malfunctioning, it is because they lack sufficient life energy (hence, "My chakras are out of balance"). The seven principal chakras are situated along the spinal cord, from the base to the cranium and relate to reason, cognition, memory, will power, divine love, divine sight, and illumination. Seven others exist below the spine and relate to fear, anger, envy, selfishness, and other unenlightened traits. Those who can see chakras describe them as colorful and resembling a lotus flower.

KUNDALINI (kun-duh-LEE-ni)Literally, "coiled up." Kundalini energy is the life force that lies dormant in our bodies. It is often depicted as a coiled up serpent at the base of the spine; practicing the correct spiritual discipline can cause the serpent to spring awake. Kundalini yoga focuses on the centers in the body (chakras) that can release kundalini energy.

NAMASTE (NAH-MAH-STAY)Means "May the divine light in me greet the divine light in you." You know it's coming at the end of class when your teacher puts her hands in prayer position and bows her head. Students say it back to convey, "Thank you for class."

OM (OH-MMMM)A long and loud sigh or hum chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga session. This is supposed to warm up the lungs and relax and quiet the mind. The om sound is supposed to be "the sound of all things," all the noise and music in the universe combined.

PRANA (PRAH-nah)The life energy that keeps us alive and thriving. The ancient Greeks called it "pneuma," and the ancient Hebrews, "ruah." The three major sources of prana are air, sun, and ground.

SAVASANA (SHA-vass-ah-nah)Translating as "corpse pose," this is when you lie on your back, completely still with eyes closed, and concentrate on relaxing every part of your body-from toes to jaw muscles. Wrapping yourself in a blanket is optional. Usually the last asana in class.

SHAKTI (SHOCK-tee)In Sanskrit, means "power" or "energy." Typically refers to the power of the god Siva, which pervades all of existence; the pure consciousness of all form. Manifestations include kriya shakti (action) and icha shakti (desire, love).

SURYA NAMASKAR (SUE-ree-ah NAH-mas-car)Also known as Sun Salutation. A series of poses that warms up the body including Downward Dog, Cobra, and Standing Forward Bend.

TADASANA (TAH-dah-sah-nah)Meet Mountain Pose. Just stand upright with your feet together, arms at your side, and head erect. This pose looks like the old-school diving board move known as "pencil."

VIRABHADRASANA (vi-ra-BAH-dras-ah-nah)A standing pose with one bent knee that makes your thighs burn. There are also variations such as Warrior II, with the arms extended to the sides instead of overhead. Warrior III is a one-legged balancing act (the Sanskrit term for "face plant'' is unknown).